Lip Lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that corrects a long upper lip skin often associated with thin red part of the upper lip. By reducing the skin part of the upper lip below the nose, the maneuver upturns and results in more fullness of the red part of the upper lip. The result of a lip lift can be long lasting.*

Lip Lift Procedure

A lip lift begins with a small, inconspicuous incision directly below the bottom part of the nostril. Enough skin is trimmed away and by designing the pattern of the skin removed, the red part of the upper lip is lifted and contoured to the desired shape. Incision is meticulously closed in multiple layers using fine sutures and without tension on the superficial skin itself to minimize trauma to this delicate area.

A lip lift usually takes 1 hour to perform, and the patient is given local anesthesia with oral sedation if necessary. There is no bandage covering the incision. Patients apply wound healing ointment on the incision for about 2 weeks and the sutures are typically removed after 5-7 days.*

Recovery From A Lip Lift

Swelling and bruising from the procedure can last up to 10 days. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated for the first 48 hours following surgery minimizes swelling. Keeping the movement of the mouth at minimal is recommended for the first week post-surgery. Medication is prescribed to help alleviate discomfort.

Most patients return to work and other normal daily activities within a couple days.* More strenuous activities should be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks.

Risks And Complications Of A Lip Lift

Although rare, possible risks and complications of a lip lift include the following:

Scarring

Excessive bleeding

Hematoma

Tissue death

Intense itching

Numbness

Skin discoloration

Persistent swelling

Lip contour irregularity

Nasal base contour irregularity

A more serious complication, also rare, is muscle/nerve damage that can lead to muscle weakness/paralysis.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Dr. Mao's skill speaks for itself. Checking through his gallery is all the evidence you need. This does not, however show the kindness, gentleness and enthusiasm of this most competent surgeon. I got exactly what I had hoped for; a more youthful look without any evidence of having "work." Dr. Mao was available from start. . .

I wanted to thank everyone especially Dr. Johnny Mao for the wonderful treatment I received. I had a surgical procedure done to remove a basal cell cancer on my cheek area. Dr Mao and the entire staff were fantastic. The admission process, the surgery and the results, again, fantastic. I can't say enough about everyone. . .

My experience with Dr. Mao has been nothing but pleasant. My first appointment I meet with him and talked about my options and took pictures. He had done morphed photos to show me what my nose could potentially look like. He was very personable he made sure that I was comfortable during appointments and gave. . .

I will always be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness and consideration, also the wonderful work you have done on my face. Your wonderful bedside manner and keeping in touch with me is comparable to none. Your staff is excellent and your work as a family. You made me comfortable the minute I met you. . .